Chiang Rai Police Arrest 39-Year-Old Man Over Attempted Murder Shooting
CHIANG RAI – Mae Sai police have arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with a shooting that left a local resident seriously injured, with investigators saying the suspect admitted the attack stemmed from a personal dispute while drinking.
The suspect, identified as Mr Narongwit, also known as “Tao,” was arrested on January 13, 2026, under the direction of Pol Col Jiraphat Saksung, superintendent of Mae Sai Police Station, together with the station’s investigation team. Narongwit, a native of Chainat province, is facing charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to police, the shooting occurred on January 8, 2026, at around 8pm, when Mae Sai Police Station received a radio report of gunfire at a house in Village 13 of the Piyaporn subdistrict, Mae Sai district. Good Samaritans rushed the victim to Sriburin Mae Sai Hospital before officers arrived.
Investigators secured and documented the scene, while forensic officers from Chiang Rai province were called in to examine physical evidence. Police later went to the hospital and identified the injured man as Bandit, 29, a resident of Mae Sai district. Doctors treated him for his injuries and later confirmed his condition had stabilised.
On January 10, after receiving medical treatment, Bandit formally filed a complaint requesting police to pursue attempted murder charges against Narongwit. Investigators subsequently gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant from the Chiang Rai Provincial Court on January 11, 2026.
Police arrested Narongwit on January 13 at around 1pm in Mae Sai district. Officers also seized a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun and a magazine loaded with five rounds of 9mm ammunition, which police believe was used in the shooting.
During initial questioning, Narongwit reportedly confessed, telling investigators the incident followed a personal argument that escalated during a drinking session. He has since been handed over to Mae Sai investigators for further legal proceedings.
